ProStar Shootout observations.

[Ron Ortiz]

Was at the race in the spectator parking lot on Wednesday the day before the race. Heard the fuel cars and pro stocks testing, wouldn't allow anyone in as it was private sessions. Thursday schedule had Pro Testing at 10:00 AM and the gates opening 12:00.
So the parking lot starts to fill fast and the word comes out that the gates will open at 2:00 instead. Tons of people standing outside listening to the announcer inside of what's going on. Surprise, gates open at 1:30. Right side of track for T/F and FC and vendors. Behind staging lanes for P/S and VIP stands, left side of track along fence for motorhomes and travel trailers inside finger road for T/S and a couple of Stk, S/S. Most all Stk and SS parked in front of Freedom Factory oval track near end of drag strip, no speakers out there to hear.
From here on out the schedule becomes a guessing game. SS was is in the lanes and was called back twice in the event. No first round of eliminations on Friday evening.
Round 1 Saturday morning, 4 bye runs.
The pro show starts and it was great. After 1st round of the top 8 qualifiers was done, then the non qualified cars ran a handicapped start between T/F car vs FC.
As the event went on there was quite a long period of just standing around with nothing going down the track. I couldn't figure out why they weren't running the Stk and SS cars. Well the finals came around and the pros put on a show. The crowd went wild and after the finals the crowd started to flow out of the stands and out the gates. THEN, they ran the finals for Stock, Super Stock and Top Sportsman.
As a side note Bobby Fazio busted his butt getting results to you all despite the schedule.
Great race, but the sportsman were not treated as they should have been. It should be noted that the fantastic BMP crew assisted in the event but was not in control. Hope to see another race like this with a little bit of respect for all the racers.